Address & Name Changes in South Carolina

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

South Carolina law requires drivers to update their address with the SCDMV within 10 days of moving. Name changes are not on a strict deadline but should be completed before the next license renewal so the new credential matches your other identification. Both updates can be handled online for most situations or in person when supporting documents need verification.

Address change

The 10-day rule is statutory under SC traffic code, although the SCDMV rarely issues citations for late updates. The bigger risk: the SCDMV mails registration renewal notices, suspension notices, and other compliance correspondence to the address on file. Missing those can lead to a missed renewal, an unpaid ticket that escalates, or — worst case — a license suspension you don't know about until a traffic stop. Update promptly to avoid those scenarios.

Address update channels

Online — the SCDMV portal handles the change for free and updates both the driver's license record and any vehicle registrations in your name. Most drivers complete the update in under five minutes. The new license card is mailed in 7-10 business days only if you specifically order a replacement; otherwise, the old card remains valid with the corrected address on file.
In person — at any SCDMV branch. Bring photo ID and two proofs of new SC residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement). The branch updates the record on the spot and can issue a duplicate license at the standard duplicate fee.
By mail — submit a written request with photo ID copy and residency documents to the SCDMV address printed on Form 447-CC.

Updating registration and title address

The SCDMV's online portal updates the registration address automatically when you update the license address. The title — the metal certificate stored at home or with the lienholder — does not get updated automatically; the address printed on the title shows the address at the time of titling. To update the title, request a duplicate title with the new address through SC title replacement at the $15 standard fee.

Out-of-state moves

If you're moving out of South Carolina, you don't update the SC address — you transfer the license to your new state. Most states require the transfer within 30-60 days of becoming a resident; the new state's DMV cancels the SC license once the new license is issued. The SCDMV releases your record to the new state through the Driver License Compact.

Name changes

South Carolina updates the name on a driver's license after a marriage, divorce, court-ordered name change, or correction of a long-standing error. The update requires:

Marriage — certified marriage license.
Divorce — certified divorce decree showing the restored maiden name.
Court order — certified copy of the order changing the legal name.
Adoption — adoption decree or amended birth certificate.
Photo ID, Social Security card showing the new name, and one proof of residency.

Note: the Social Security Administration must update the SSA record before the SCDMV will accept the new name on the license. The SSA office issues a new card within 7-10 business days, and the SCDMV verifies the name electronically against the SSA database (the SSOLV check).

Name update channels

Name changes require an in-person visit at any SCDMV branch — the agency has to verify the certified name-change document and take a new photo to match the new name. Bring the certified document, the existing license, and proof of residency. The fee is the standard duplicate license fee (typically $10), and a temporary paper license is issued on the spot while the new card is in the mail.

REAL ID and name changes

If you have a REAL ID-compliant license, the SCDMV requires the same federal-grade documentation as the original REAL ID issuance. Plan to bring all four document categories (identity, Social Security number, two proofs of residency) plus the certified name-change document. Allow extra time at the branch for the document review process.

Updating other records after a move or name change

An SCDMV update doesn't propagate to:

Voter registration — separate update through the SC Election Commission.
Vehicle title — request a duplicate to update the printed address.
Auto insurance — call the carrier; rates may change with the new garaging address.
SSA, IRS, USPS, and bank records — separate updates required.

If your move includes a county change, the new county Treasurer or Auditor will assess the next year's vehicle property tax — see SC registration renewal for the registration-tax interaction.

Common reasons for delay

The SSA hasn't updated to the new name yet (the SCDMV's electronic check fails).
Residency documents are older than 90 days.
The marriage license or divorce decree isn't certified — only certified copies are accepted.
The name-change document doesn't show a clear before-and-after of the legal name.

For the related procedures, see SC license renewal.